Politics and the Putin visit
The decision to ‘stop’ the Opposition from meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin is deeply troubling. The Opposition represents a sizable percentage of India’s citizens, and denying representatives of the Opposition a seat at the high table is the equivalent of disrespecting the citizens of almost half the country. Allowing two TV anchors from a private media channel to interview Mr. Putin sends the wrong signal — that our democracy values select media voices over elected representatives. Indian foreign policy has always been one of team effort, built on consensus between the government and the Opposition. It should never be reduced to a one-party show. The Government must remember that foreign policy is not about political rivalry but national interest.
T. Kailash Ditya,
Hyderabad
I hope that India is able to prevail upon Mr. Putin and convey to him the dire need to end the war with Ukraine. The red carpet welcome given to Mr. Putin clearly points to the high regard India has for Russia. but it is also important that a humanitarian point of view needs to be conveyed and the suffering ends.
Mani Nataraajan,
Chennai
On the margins
It comes as no surprise that “International Fisherwomen’s Day” (Opinion page – ‘Notebook’, December 5) did not garner much support. In a practically male-dominated society, the voices of women hardly reach those who matter in the corridors of power. Fisherwomen have never been given their due. Nevertheless, awareness is vital and the contributions of women in every field must be recognised.
Balasubramaniam Pavani,
Secunderabad
Published – December 06, 2025 12:24 am IST
